Seated Emotional Man | Harvard Art Museums

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1926.21.4
Title: Seated Emotional Man
Classification: Sculpture
Work Type: statuette, sculpture
Date: 3rd century BCE or later
Period: Hellenistic period
Culture: Greek
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/291933

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Terracotta
Technique: Mold-made
Dimensions: 13 × 5.9 cm (5 1/8 × 2 5/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Percy S. Straus
Accession Year: 1926
Object Number: 1926.21.4
Division: Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact: am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description: Complete figurine; in good condition but for a crack at the left ankle.

A seated man, nude. He leans back slightly on a rock or mound, looking upwards with his mouth open in a circle. He places his right hand over his heart, as if overcome by emotion.

Voluminous wavy hair with ears visible at front, held back from forehead by a crown or diadem with a jewel at its center. Bulging forehead, as if straining or with eyebrows raised in surprise. Eyes wide open, with narrow lids rendered in relief. Prominent nose with pierced nostrils. Distinct, high cheeks. Wide-open mouth, with a mustache and short, trimmed beard. The head is cocked slightly to the left and leans back with the rest of the upper body; overall expression is pained or adoring.

The body is less defined. Rounded shoulders, overly thick arms, and clumsy hands with fat fingers. Proper left hand rests naturally on the left thigh, while the right arm crosses over the torso, with the hand landing on the heart. A small phallus is indicated; demure. The thighs are noticeably thin, but not emaciated. Bent knees and bare feet resting flat on the ground; distinct toes. Everything rests on a narrow, plain, and rectangular base.

Would have been painted orignally. Small traces of white ground and red pigment still extant.

Hollow. Mold-made in a bivalve mold; likely plaster. Minimal modeling at back. Figure and base should have been made separately but were attached so carefully as to not leave any visible seams. No visible ventholes. Figure stands safely on its own; uncomfortable to hold.

Maroon clay; highly levigated and hard-fired.

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Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu